2019 – the first 100 years

One of the outstanding characteristics of the founder of the Elbe ferry was to always strive towards new horizons and to find new pathways where others saw obstacles.

Captain Ernst Sturm, a Cape Horner himself, exemplified this visionary quality to his crew, the company and his successors after setting up his own business in Glückstadt on 24 March 1919.

It appeared to be the most suitable place for his vision of a ferry service across the Elbe. The future proved him right. At a time when nobody dared to put their money on the future, the company launched a tug and tow business. They also transported the milk of Kehding farmers to starving Hamburg, and even then, automobiles were carried across the river.

While the cars were still loaded with a crane at that time, today four special large ferries transport over 600,000 vehicles annually from Glückstadt to Wischhafen and vice versa. Running to a fixed timetable, they represent a floating Elbe crossing on the B 495 federal road at the most suitable point between Hamburg and Cuxhaven.

Captain and Cape Horner Ernst Sturm

Company portrait

Founded 1919 Captain Ernst Sturm (sailed around Cape Horn on a tall ship), grandfather of the current managing director

Operation Running to a fixed timetable all year round, approx. every 20 min during periods with higher traffic volume Duration of the crossing approx. 25 min On-board refreshments on all vessels during the day